Heritage

When faith turned to power: Dev Deepawali lights up UP's cultural pride

Once a quiet riverside ritual, Dev Deepawali has evolved into UP's largest soft-power spectacle - merging faith, art, enterprise into a global cultural brand that reflects state's growing confidence

Kolhapuris blend heritage, tech as govt pushes for QR code authenticity

The humble Kolhapuri chappal, one of India's most iconic traditional crafts, is enjoying renewed prominence not only in domestic fashion circles but also in international markets, amid Italian brand Prada being accused of appropriating the footwear. The GI-tagged handmade flat leather sandals, known for their intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage, now carry an added layer of protection and authenticity in the form of QR codes, thanks to recent technological and legal innovations. The move aims to check counterfeiting and highlight the identity of the artisan behind each product, boost consumer trust and strengthen the market position of the traditional craftsmen, officials from the government-run Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra (LIDCOM) said. Recently, artisans cried foul after footwear similar to the Kolhapuri chappals featured in Italian luxury fashion brand Prada's new collection, alleging violation of the GI (Geographical Indication) ...

Bhagavad Gita and Natyasastra join Unesco's Memory of the World Register

The inclusion of Bhagavad Gita and Nāṭyaśāstra in Unesco's Memory of the World Register brings its total number of inscribed collections to 570, and India's contributions in it to 14

World Heritage Day: Check in at Mumbai airport, check out the artefacts

With 5,500 pieces, the art museum at Mumbai's Terminal 2 is one of Asia's largest public art projects. Ahead of World Heritage Day, a walk through its mural-filled corridors

Govt increases culture budget by Rs 100 crore, prioritises heritage, arts

The government has increased the budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Culture for the fiscal year 2025-26, with a total outlay of Rs 3,360.96 crore against a revised estimate of Rs 3,260.93 crore in the current fiscal. Within the ministry, a major chunk has gone to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has been allocated Rs 1,278.49 crore against Rs 1273.91 crore allocated in 2024-25 which was revised to Rs 1191.99 crore. While the government has continued to support cultural development, it has significantly reduced funding for organising events to mark centenaries and anniversaries. The budget for these commemorations has been slashed from Rs 110 crore in 2024-25 to just Rs 35 crore in 2025-26. However, key celebrations such as the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the 75th anniversary of Constitution Day, and the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilya Bai Holkar will still be observed with government support. Funds earmarked for international cultural collaborati

India's heritage inspires world: Rahul on Stalin's 'iron age' remark

India's rich heritage continues to inspire the world and Tamil Nadu's contributions reflect India's innovation and unity, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Thursday after Chief Minister M K Stalin announced that the Iron Age began on Tamil soil. "With immense pride and unmatched satisfaction, I have declared to the world: 'The Iron Age began on Tamil soil!' Based on results from world-renowned institutions, the use of iron in Tamil Nadu dates back to the beginning of 4th millennium B.C.E., establishing that iron usage was prominent in South India over 5,300 years ago," Stalin said in a post on X. "What was written in our ancient literature is now becoming scientifically proven history, thanks to the meticulous efforts of our Dravidian Model Government. The history of the Indian subcontinent can no longer overlook Tamil Nadu. In fact, it must begin here!" he said. Tagging Stalin's post, Gandhi said India's rich heritage continues to inspire the world. Recent archaeological findin

A global outreach beyond biz: Showcasing India's cultural, modern strengths

An ancient civilisation with a modern outlook, India has a lot of fine strengths - in cinema, sports, art, culture, food, yoga - that it is building on

Culture Ministry to showcase India's heritage at Maha Kumbh with 'Kalagram'

The Ministry of Culture has planned to set up and run a cultural village -- 'Kalagram' -- in Prayagraj to showcase the rich, spiritual and cultural heritage of the country during the upcoming Maha Kumbh in the holy city, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Thursday. The Maha Kumbh will be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. Interacting with mediapersons at his residence here, Shekhawat, who holds the culture and tourism portfolios, said the Ministry of Culture aims to set up and run a cultural village -- 'Kalagram' -- in Prayagraj for which an area measuring 10.24 acres has been allocated at Nagvasuki. "A Ganga Pandal with a capacity of 10,000 people will be set up by the Mela authority where celebrity performances would be held," the ministry said in a statement. Three stage pandals with a 4,000 audience capacity each at Jhunsi, Nagvasuki and Areil as well as a 1,000 capacity amphitheatre at Kalagram will showcase the emerging Sangeet Natak Akademi awarde

Experts demand custom duty cut on artefacts being brought back to India

At the 106th National Convention of the Indian Numismatic Society here, experts called for the removal or reduction of customs duty on bringing back valuable artefacts and cultural heritage from abroad. They argued that such measures would encourage individuals and organisations to restore India's cultural legacy. The convention was organised by the Uttar Pradesh State Archaeology Department. "It's surprising and disappointing that India imposes 33 per cent customs duty on bringing back its heritage, whereas countries like the UK and the US not only waive such charges but also honour and encourage those who undertake such efforts," Farukh S Todiwala, a member of the Indian Numismatic Society's Executive Council and president of the Mumbai Coin Society, told reporters. "If the government takes up such initiatives itself, it is seen as a matter of national pride and is widely publicised. However, when private individuals go the extra mile and pay hefty sums to retrieve Indian cultura

Over 1,400 antiquities valued $10 million to be returned to India from US

At least 1,440 antiquities collectively valued at USD 10 million will be returned to India, a statement has said. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., in a statement on Wednesday, said the pieces recovered under several ongoing investigations into criminal trafficking networks, including those of alleged antiquities trafficker Subhash Kapoor and convicted trafficker Nancy Wiener, were returned at a ceremony with Manish Kulhary from the Consulate General of India here and Alexandra deArmas, Group Supervisor from the Homeland Security Investigation of New York Cultural Property, Art, and Antiquities Group. Bragg announced the return of 1,440 antiquities collectively valued at USD 10 million to the people of India, according to the statement. "We will continue to investigate the many trafficking networks that have targeted Indian cultural heritage," Bragg said. The returned pieces included a sandstone sculpture depicting a Celestial Dancer looted from a temple in Madhya ..

Recognition of Pali as classical language honours Buddha's heritage: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Thursday that the recognition of Pali as a classical language honours the great heritage of Lord Buddha, as he took swipe at past Congress governments for its neglect of India's cultural legacy after Independence. Speaking at a programme on the occasion of International Abhidhamma Divas, Modi said while every nation associates its heritage with its identity, India was left far behind. Invaders tried to erase India's identity before its Independence, and those suffering from "slave mindset" did so afterwards, he said, adding that an ecosystem captured the country which took it in an direction opposite to its its heritage. He said his government's policies and programmes have been guided by the teachings of Lord Buddha, reiterating that the world plagued by instability and insecurity can find solution to its problems in his teachings. World can find solution not in "yuddh" (war) but in Buddha, and it should learn from his teachings to pave the

Another example of shared commitment to preserve heritage: Garcetti

Amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, US has formally handed over 297 antiquities that were stolen or trafficked from India

SC dismisses plea to declare Agra 'heritage city', citing no benefits

The Supreme Court dismissed on Friday a plea seeking to declare Agra as a "heritage city" and said there is nothing to show that such a declaration would give the city any special advantage. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan dismissed the application filed in a 1984 PIL on the protection and preservation of the iconic Taj Mahal and its adjoining areas. "Nothing has been placed on record to show that there will be any special advantage to the city. Moreover, this court cannot grant any such declaration. Interlocutory application is dismissed," the bench ordered. During the hearing, the bench asked the counsel what advantage the city would get if it was declared a heritage city and what were the provisions under law to give such a declaration. The counsel said that Agra needed to be declared a heritage city as it has a history of over 1,000 years and several historic monuments which need to be preserved. "Declaring Agra as a heritage city would give a boost to tourism

ASI to restore Delhi's Mughal era Barapullah bridge: Key details to know

Historians say the 200-metre-long Barapullah bridge was built during the reign of Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1628. At present, a drain passes through the structure

Developing heritage has special place in Viksit Bharat agenda: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said a coordinated and strong effort by governments at the Centre and in states will ensure the goal of 'Viksit Bharat' is attained. Both developing heritage and building a legacy of development have a special place in the idea of 'Viksit Bharat', Modi said, according to senior party leader Vinay Sahasrabuddhe. The prime minister was addressing the 13 chief ministers and 15 deputy chief ministers from the BJP-ruled states on the second day of their two-day meeting -- 'mukhyamantri parishad' -- here. Modi spoke at length about his government's agenda of making India a USD 5 trillion economy and stressed the importance of public participation in welfare measures. Sahasrabuddhe, who coordinates the party's 'good governance' exercise, said the prime minister also emphasised on using social media to ensure maximum reach of government schemes targeting different groups. Senior BJP leaders, including Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah and J P Nad

1300-year-old French magical sword goes missing leaving the locals stunned

The theft of the magical Durandal sword has become the talk of the town. The sharpest sword could cut boulders with a single strike. Authorities are trying to recover the lost historical artefact

World-renowned Jaipuri razai industry is on the brink of a crisis

Even former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and ex vice-president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat were its admirers

Heritage tourism: Hospitality majors eyeing kothis, havelis in UP

9 heritage properties on block for private bidders

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurates U'khand's 1st Himalayan Cultural Center

The CM also honoured filmmakers, cinematographers and singers of the state associated with the film world, the statement informed

Gala dinner showcases spirituality, pilgrimage & heritage at G20 ACWG meet

The presentations at the Gala Dinner continued the ACWG meeting's push for lending global exposure to local cultural traditions, industries, and craftsmanship